OVNI - 1997 08 - August

Magazine Overview

Title: OVNI
Issue: August 1996
Publisher: Phenomenon Research Association
Country: United Kingdom
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of OVNI, the newsletter of the Phenomenon Research Association, dated August 1996, presents a collection of articles and reports related to UFO sightings, alien encounters, and related phenomena. The cover features a collage of iconic imagery associated with the unexplained, including pyramids, a sphinx, a classic flying saucer, and a stylized aircraft, alongside the magazine's title and date.

FIFTY YEARS OF UFO's - WHAT HAVE WE LEARNT?

This lead article, likely penned by the editor (ED.), clarifies that the 1947 Kenneth Arnold sighting, while significant, did not herald the arrival of UFOs but rather the beginning of a worldwide wave of sightings. The U.S. Air Force's explanation for the Arnold sighting is quoted as a 'mirage created by uncommonly stable weather conditions.' The article presents brief historical reports, including one from St. Albans Abbey describing a 'marvellous' ship and a farmer in Texas reporting a 'dark flying object in the shape of a disk.' A notable personal account is from Colonel Turner-Bridger, an ex-WW1 aviator, who in 1937 witnessed a pulsating ball of coloured light near the South Downs, initially suspecting a 'secret weapon' development from Farnborough. He reported this experience some thirty-five years later.

Excerpts from a 1966 letter to Congressman L. Mendel Rivers from the Secretary of the Air Force, Harold Brown, are included. This letter states that out of 10,147 reported sightings from 1947-1965 (11,207 through 1966), the Air Force identified 9,502 (10,502 through 1966). The majority of these were attributed to subjective human observations, such as astronomical sightings (stars, planets, comets, meteors) and auroral streamers.

The article also references a 1986 U.S. Air Force letter stating that investigations over two decades had not identified any threat to national security or evidence of extraterrestrial vehicles, though they would continue to investigate with an 'open mind.' This letter was sent 19 years after the Roswell incident.

The Hoax Era

The newsletter discusses a significant 'leg-pull' in 1967 when students from the Royal Aircraft Establishment at Farnborough created a hoax by laying out five silver 'saucers' across southern England, which gained significant media attention. The Surrey Investigation Group (SIGAP) invited two of the hoaxers to a skywatch event, receiving a donation for charity in return. A photograph shows Tony Wake, Treasurer of SIGAP, presenting the cheque, with one of the 'saucers' in the foreground. This hoax is noted as being the subject of a research project by Mr. John Keeling of Caplan Wilkie TV.

THE CONTINUING STORY

This section details further sightings, including 'Lights In The Sky' (LITS) and balls of light from the sixties and seventies. A significant case is that of Mr. Burtoo, who in August 1983, while night fishing on the Basingstoke Canal, witnessed a bright glowing craft land nearby. Two small figures in 'space suits' appeared and beckoned him towards the craft. Mr. Burtoo, aged 77, later recounted his experience, stating he was scanned by a yellow light beam and told he was 'too old and infirm for our purpose.' He was able to recall the event without hypnotic regression.

The 1960s to 1980s saw hundreds of 'Flying Saucer' incidents. The early 1980s introduced 'Flying Triangles.' The first sighting of a boomerang-shaped craft, described as bigger than several football fields, was reported in Clifton-Morenci, Arizona, between October 1980 and January 1981. A similar 'V' shaped UFO was reported on March 13, 1997.

Omar Fowler's booklet, "Flying Triangle UFO's: The Continuing Story," is mentioned as being available soon, containing articles, colour prints, and statistical charts. The article suggests two types of 'Flying Triangle' vehicles: large, alien-controlled craft observed slowly at night, and smaller black 'Stealth' craft possibly being developed in the UK. Sightings are reportedly increasing by at least 100% over the last two years, with predictions of astounding revelations in the next five years.

Claims by Larry Warren in his book "Left At East Gate" are cited, suggesting underground facilities beneath the Bentwaters air base might hold aliens and craft. The author, O.F. (Omar Fowler), concludes that the pieces of the jigsaw are coming together, forming a 'disquieting' picture.

Paul Carr Incident near Timsbury, Avon

This section transcribes a telephone conversation from August 6, 1997, between Omar Fowler and Mr. Paul Carr about an incident on March 29, 1997. Mr. Carr describes seeing a large light, estimated to be five miles away and much bigger than stars. Initially stationary, it moved slowly to the left, then returned to its position. He flashed his torch at it, and the object dropped about 100ft and moved towards him slowly. He ran with his dogs, and the light followed. As it banked over, a large white light went out, and three red lights came on. Mr. Carr described the white light as being central, like a searchlight, and the red lights as 'pinky-red.' He heard a 'whirling, Hoover sort of noise,' louder than an aeroplane. His wife initially dismissed it as him 'seeing things.' A map of the Timsbury area is included.

The Evening Sky (August 1997)

This section, authored by Walter Berg, provides astronomical information for August 1997. It mentions the Mars Pathfinder mission and its new, cheap technology compared to the Viking lander. Mars is visible in the southwestern sky. The Milky Way is observable in the constellation of Sagittarius. Jupiter is visible low in the southeastern sky in Capricorn, and Venus sparkles in the west. The Perseid meteor shower is expected to peak on August 11th and 12th, offering good viewing conditions after moonset. The article provides advice for meteor watching, emphasizing lying back in an open area and being prepared for the cold. It explains that meteors are tiny particles burning up in the atmosphere at high speeds. Artificial satellites are also mentioned as visible. A Full Moon occurs on August 19th.

UFOs: science fact or science fiction?

This article, by Dominic Bailey, explores the question of whether UFOs are real or mere fiction. It notes the dramatic increase in reports and the growing belief in extraterrestrial life. 'Truth Seekers Wiltshire,' a new branch of a national group, aims to investigate these questions. The article mentions Bristol-born psychic Paul Shepherd, who claims to have been regularly abducted by 'Greys' and communicates with them telepathically. He formed an 'Alien Encounters Support Group' for others with similar experiences, stressing the traumatic nature of these events and the need for an open mind. Shepherd believes there are 'good Greys' studying humans and possibly making genetic changes, while 'bad Greys' may have another agenda and be working with the military.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) denies involvement with aliens but admits RAF Rudloe Manor has been used to coordinate UFO sightings. A spokeswoman, Kerry Philpott, stated the MoD is unaware of evidence substantiating extraterrestrial life or craft. However, it is confirmed that Rudloe Manor was indeed the RAF co-ordination point for 'unexplained' aerial sightings, though it does not conduct research into UFOs. A spokesman for the MoD stated they would investigate reports if they might have defense implications, but none have caused concern for UK defense.

Ufologist Roger Mallett suggests that technological leaps in military craft might be due to alien influences. As the Wiltshire director for the Society for Paranormal and UFO Research, he has interviewed 15 people and is convinced advanced life forms exist. He believes many sightings of triangular craft might be part of top-secret projects rather than extraterrestrial. He plans to work with Truth Seekers to investigate sightings.

Tessa Ghent, Wiltshire organiser for Truth Seekers, emphasizes that while many sightings can be explained, the number of people reporting actual flying saucers leads her to believe 'there is something out there.' The group plans sky watches and crop watches.

'THE ISLANDER', GULF BREEZE, FLORIDA, U.S.A.

This 'Skywatch Diary' by Carole Baker reports on local UFO activity in the Gulf Breeze, Florida area. While Shoreline Park had no sightings, reports filtered in from the Gulf Breeze area and Perdido Key. During Hurricane Danny's visit in July 1997, three sightings of a cylindrical object occurred on Perdido Key. Five men witnessed an object descending, hovering, alternating colors between lime green and white, and then shooting off south at 'incredible speed.'

On July 30, 1997, two skywatchers, Ray and Elise Pollock, saw three amber lights near Gulf Breeze that remained stationary before extinguishing. Another witness reported similar amber lights to the Gulf Breeze police. Art Hufford, president of Pensacola/Gulf Breeze MUFON, reported seeing bright amber lights near the Navarre Bridge for thirty minutes, with lights appearing and disappearing in sequence, a pattern noted in previous Gulf Breeze sightings and similar to the Phoenix, Arizona sightings.

A DAY AT THE BROADMARSH SHOPPING CENTRE

This article details an exhibition of UFO effects organized by the PRA (Derby) in aid of the 'Smiles Better Appeal' for the Nottingham Children's Hospital. The event, held on Saturday, August 2, attracted public interest and raised money for the charity. Representatives from various UFO groups, including PRA (Derby), Les Truman's UFO group, and Matthew Williams from 'Truth Seekers,' were present. Several speakers, including Matthew Williams, Les Truman, and Omar Fowler, addressed the crowd. A video presentation was shown, featuring a piece of video purportedly smuggled from 'Area 51' showing an 'Alien' being interrogated. The video, described as showing blurred figures, a strange face with large black eyes, and the alien going into spasms, was shown twice. The article notes that the shoppers were largely unimpressed, with many unfamiliar with 'Area 51' or Ray Santilli. Stills from this video were printed in Matthew Williams' 'Truth Seekers Review.' The exhibition is described as a 'great deal of interest' and a 'great idea.'

Photographs accompanying the article show Les Truman of the Mansfield UFO Group, Organiser Belinda Thompson and Omar Fowler, Matthew Williams of 'Truth Seekers,' Security Staff examining the display, and the PRA display itself.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of OVNI are the ongoing investigation into UFO phenomena, the historical context of sightings, and the skepticism or official denial often surrounding them. The newsletter appears to adopt a stance of open inquiry, presenting various accounts, including hoaxes and personal experiences, while also acknowledging official explanations and scientific perspectives. There is a clear interest in documenting sightings, exploring potential explanations (including extraterrestrial origins and secret military projects), and encouraging public engagement through sky watches and information sharing. The inclusion of astronomical observations suggests a broader interest in the night sky and celestial phenomena, often intertwined with UFO reports. The editorial stance seems to be one of encouraging critical thinking while remaining open to the possibility of unexplained aerial phenomena.

This issue of '50 Years of UFO's Celebrated' (Volume 40th year, Issue 10, dated August 1997) from the Phenomenon Research Association (PRA) focuses on recent UFO sightings and encounters, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the Roswell incident.

Mexico

Brit and Lee Elders, known for their UFO videos, recently filmed over 100 cluster UFOs in Mexico. This footage is part of a series documenting Mexican sightings. Earlier instances of filmed UFOs, including cluster UFOs, were noted over Washington D.C. in 1952 and during a ball game in another state. Footage from Japan also showed UFOs multiplying in flight. The Elders' work includes over 40 spheres filmed in the sky on one of their videos.

Arizona

On March 13, 1997, at least eight people in Paulden, Arizona, witnessed and filmed a massive V-shaped craft. The object flew from North to South towards Phoenix at an estimated height of 500 ft. Thousands of calls were received by authorities. Lt Col Mike Hauser of Luke AFB stated that the craft was not one of theirs. Three F-16 fighters were scrambled to intercept it, but the V-shaped craft ascended straight up and disappeared as they approached. The object was reportedly visible from a 60-mile radius.

S.A.S. SEE ALIENS

In South Armagh, eight SAS soldiers on an ambush mission reported a startling encounter. While hiding near an arms cache on a hillside, four aliens walked in front of their gun-sights. The soldiers and aliens reportedly stared at each other for about a minute before the aliens disappeared. Seconds later, the soldiers saw a flash in the sky. The commanding officer stated that the soldiers were not threatened but were stunned, unable to believe what they were seeing. He described it as a 'stand off'. The weapons cache was recovered by other soldiers.

A REPORT FROM THE BROADMARSH EXHIBITION

An exhibition on UFOs attracted attention, leading to several UFO reports. One report details a sighting on August 6th at 10:50 pm in Bramcote, Nottinghamshire, near the 'Hemlock Stone'. Mr Richard Kane and his fiancé spotted an object above the stone. He described it as a group of lights: one white, one green, and one red. The green and red lights flashed and changed position, while the white light remained steady. The lights moved left and right and upwards. Kane, whose family includes pilots, stated it was not a plane or helicopter and had been in the same position for 55 minutes. Later that night, a similar group of lights was seen over Stapleford.

Louise Kane, Richard's sister, corroborated the sighting. She saw the lights were not an airplane, noting her father's pilot's license and her brother's helicopter pilot experience. Using binoculars, she observed the UFO hovering over the Hemlock Stone area, moving rapidly from left to right with flashing green and red lights and a solid white light.

TALE ENDERS

This section includes various short reports and announcements.

FLYING SAUCER REVIEW

Information is provided about the 'Flying Saucer Review', an international journal in its 40th year, detailing subscription rates for the UK and other countries, including the USA.

THREE TRIANGULAR UFO'S SEEN OVER WISCONSIN U.S.A.

On Friday night, August 1, 1997, Fred P. reported seeing three triangular UFOs while driving west on Highway 10 from Manitowoc to Brillon, Wisconsin. He described it as a 'mini-airshow using unusual aircraft' and could only discern their light patterns due to the darkness.

MYSTERY OF JAKE'S UFO

Jake Ansell of Paignton, Devon, reported seeing a chrome-like triangular object, described as double the size of a Jumbo Jet, thousands of feet up and reflecting Torquay harbour lights at 11:15 pm on August 6th, 1997.

HANGAR 18

A member of the UFO group HANGAR 18, Tony Beetham, reported seeing lights shining towards him from about 2 miles away in July 1996. As the object approached his house, he realized the lights were coming from a craft. He saw it was triangular in shape with lights flashing in a random sequence around its edges. The craft moved towards Keadby and then Epworth.

HALE-BOPP COMET LIGHT SETS RIDDLE

On April 8, 1997, watchers reported seeing three bright lights (one green, two red) appear directly below the Hale-Bopp comet. The lights swooped down over a witness's car, skimming the trees, with a 'deathly silence'. The witness, Julie Heather, initially thought it was an aeroplane about to crash.

CONGRATULATIONS

Tim Matthews of the Lancashire UFO Society is congratulated for his work in investigating Flying Triangles.

NEXT MEETING

An upcoming meeting is announced for the Allenton British Legion, Derby, on Thursday, August 28th. It will feature a video presentation 'ENCOUNTERS IN AUSTRALIA' by John Carpenter and a short video by Peter Gregory of a 'Face In The Clouds' sighting. Admission is £1 for PRA members and non-members.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently highlights witness testimony and photographic/video evidence of UFOs and alleged alien encounters. The tone is generally credulous, presenting sightings as significant events worthy of investigation. The inclusion of reports from various locations (Mexico, USA, UK) suggests a global phenomenon. The promotion of the 'Flying Saucer Review' and the announcement of a UFO meeting indicate an active community of researchers and enthusiasts. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into UFO phenomena, treating the subject with respect, as suggested by the cover headline.